Our Michigan window tint laws are valid for 2023. These laws regulate how dark and reflective your car tint may be, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about.
| Michigan Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Top 4 inches |
| Front Side Windows | Top 4 inches |
| Back Side Windows | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions |
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How dark can your window tint be in Michigan?
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Michigan this refers to the percent of visible light allowed in through both the film and the glass.
See: VLT Chart for darkness examples
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Michigan (MI), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Any darkness can be applied on uppermost 4" inches of the window.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Passenger vehicles include sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Any darkness can be applied on uppermost 4" inches of the window.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Multi-purpose vehicles include SUV, pickups, vans, RVs, and minibuses.
Federal vehicle ID label on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is passenger or multi purpose vehicle.
How reflective can your window tint be in Michigan?
Tinting film may contain metallic elements which help in reflecting incoming light. This reduces glare and heat generated by visible light. Below you can find out how much reflection is permitted on your car window tint film by law in Michigan.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Michigan tinting rules and regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Michigan include the following:
- Side Mirrors: No restrictions.
- Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly prohibited in Michigan.
- Certificate Requirements: Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
- Sticker Requirements: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required by law.
- Medical Exemption: Michigan allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult Michigan state law.
Remember that state tint laws may be interpreted differently by your local law authorities. Get in touch with your county DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Michigan window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Michigan tint laws is up to date as of 2023. Last update was on August 28th, 2022 (approximately 9 months ago). We are always notified of changes and update with latest legislation when required.
Official law sources:
Michigan Vehicle Code section 257.709: Windshields and windows; prohibitions.
Michigan State Police Traffic Law FAQs - Tinted windows (tinting and medical exemptions)
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